Pluto Travels recognised as ‘Most promising TMC' at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024.
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Pluto Travels was recognised as the 'Most promising TMC' at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. 'This award is a testament to our collective effort. It is your dedication and hard work that made this achievement possible. Together, we shine and succeed!'-Sapna Aidasani, Marketing Director, Pluto Travels
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Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE flights: Ticket prices up by 60% on peak travel day amid Eid Al Adha break
As UAE residents gear up for the upcoming Eid Al Adha break, travel demand to Arab and regional destinations is soaring, as are ticket prices. According to Bharat Aidasani, Managing Partner at Pluto Travels, airfares to Arab destinations have surged by up to 60 per cent during the Eid Al Adha holiday period as demand continues to outpace supply. "Because of the peak season, people love to travel, especially in the summer and during holiday times like Eid," Aidasani said, highlighting a consistent rise in travel demand. According to Aidasani, prices for flights to these destinations have risen between 20 to 30 per cent, with peak-day travel costs increasing by as much as 40 to 60 per cent. 'Airlines also get geared up for Eid. They start additional flights and open new routes wherever demand rises.' Arab destinations remain in high demand. Egypt continues to attract many UAE residents, while Syria is witnessing a surge as Syrians living in the UAE return home to celebrate Eid. Lebanon remains a consistent favorite, and Saudi Arabia sees increased traffic due to Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Praveen Choudhary from Al Saffron Travel and Tourism agrees and adds that Egypt and Morocco are among the Arab destinations with the highest surge in bookings this Eid. "We're seeing a major influx in Egypt visa applications during the holiday period," said Choudhary, noting a significant increase in demand from UAE residents and expats alike. Choudhary emphasised the importance of early booking to avoid steep price hikes. "If you book 40 to 45 days in advance, the price could be nearly half what it is now. For example, a ticket priced at Dh500 earlier might now be over Dh1,000." Zain Al Abdin, sales manager at Golden Eagle Travel & Tourism, added that airlines have ramped up operations to accommodate the surge. For example, 'Syrian Airlines used to be the only carrier flying to Syria, but now FlyDubai and Emirates are adding flights. Yet prices have increased by around 50 per cent,' Al Abdin said. Travellers who book last-minute tickets often face higher fares, especially for non-flexible or non-refundable ticket categories. 'About 90 per cent of the tickets people book are non-refundable,' he explained. With limited flexibility, travellers are often locked into dates set by public sector holidays. Different travel behaviours Compared to last Eid, bookings this year are strong but slightly lower. 'This is mainly due to the overlap of Eid holidays with school exams. Many families are delaying their travel until after Eid,' Al Abdin explained. Some families prefer spending the same budget on more extended post-Eid vacations rather than shorter, more expensive Eid getaways. 'A three-day Eid trip might cost Dh4,000 per person now. Some prefer to wait until after exams and spend Dh7,000 on a full summer trip instead,' he said. Travel after Eid is expected to be more affordable and appealing for long-haul trips. 'After Eid, prices will drop, especially for longer destinations like Europe, Russia, and northern Turkey,' he added. Looking at global destinations, Al Abdin pointed out that travelers prefer short-haul trips during Eid, such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Istanbul. "For long-haul destinations like Europe, Russia, North Turkey, Japan, Korea, or Norway, people wait for the summer holiday season."
Tourism Breaking News
30-04-2025
- Tourism Breaking News
Middle East's iconic Arabian Travel Awards return for 8th edition this November
Post Views: 56 The Arabian Travel Awards, one of the Middle East's most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality, is set to return for its landmark eighth edition on 25th November 2025. This invite-only event will bring together the region's top leaders and innovators to honour outstanding contributions that continue to define the Middle East's global travel identity. A symbol of credibility and industry recognition, the Arabian Travel Awards has become a trusted benchmark for excellence across the GCC. Backed by TravTalk Middle East and TravelTV News, the 2025 edition will feature awards across four dynamic segments: Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards, and Partner Awards—each designed to spotlight individuals and organisations leading change and driving growth. This year's award categories include industry benchmarks such as Best Business Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best B2B Travel Portal, and Best Luxury Hotel, reflecting the diversity and depth of the region's tourism ecosystem. Winners are selected through a transparent, online voting system, ensuring credibility and inclusiveness. Speaking on the occasion, San Jeet, Mentor, Arabian Travel Awards, noted: 'The awards this year come at a pivotal time. With the region witnessing historic growth and tourism becoming a strategic economic pillar, it's more important than ever to recognise those leading the way. From sustainability champions to digital disruptors, the Arabian Travel Awards is a tribute to those redefining the future of travel in the GCC.' In a testament to its growing influence, the 2025 edition welcomes Embassy Suites by Hilton as its Hospitality Partner, marking the brand's debut in the UAE. Ziad Tantawi, Cluster General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton, said: 'As Embassy Suites by Hilton makes its debut in the UAE, a vibrant playground for hospitality, we are proud to partner with the Arabian Travel Awards to mark this milestone. With its spacious suites and premium amenities, Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay brings a fresh approach to comfort and design for today's global traveller. This collaboration helps us amplify visibility, build strategic industry connections, and solidify our position as a key player in the region's upscale hospitality segment.' As the Middle East continues to rise as a global tourism powerhouse, the Arabian Travel Awards remains committed to celebrating visionaries and changemakers shaping the industry's future.
Khaleej Times
24-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
'Heaven on Earth': Why UAE residents travelling to Kashmir was on the rise in recent years
Kashmir is often described as 'heaven on earth'. But for those who have actually visited the breathtaking valley, it's not just a phrase, it becomes a deeply felt truth and a statement that lives with them. The snow-covered mountains, serene lakes, pine forests, and warm hospitality leave visitors with memories that stay long after the journey ends. And for a growing number of UAE residents, Kashmir, both in India and in Pakistan-administered regions, is becoming a top destination for vacations, honeymoons, and even soul-searching getaways. Honeymooners' paradise Meeran D.F., a 31-year-old marketing professional based in Dubai, chose Kashmir for his honeymoon after hearing about its beauty from friends and family for years. Married in the first week of January, he flew to Srinagar just days later with his bride, and what they saw was nothing short of magical. 'I had always heard Kashmir is paradise on earth, but seeing it with my own eyes, with my wife beside me, felt surreal,' said Meeran. 'The valley was blanketed in soft, white snow. Gulmarg especially took our breath away with its pine trees frosted with snow, frozen lakes, and the sound of silence. We rode the gondola up the mountains and played in the snow like kids. It was cold, but the warmth of the people and a cup of Kashmiri kahwa kept us cozy throughout. It wasn't just a trip, it was an experience we will cherish for the rest of our lives.' Surge in demand among UAE residents Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, said the interest in Indian-administered Kashmir has been steadily growing over the years among UAE residents all year round and especially during the summer months. 'We have had groups travelling to Kashmir every single month this year. From January to May, we sent multiple groups,' he said. 'Between June and August, it becomes one of the most preferred destinations, not just for Indians, but also for expats from other nationalities. We have even had inquiries from Europeans looking to spend their summer there.' However, he added that due to the recent incident, some travellers have cancelled their trips. 'Still, those who have visited always tell us it was the best place they have ever been to. They truly believe it's heaven on earth.' Pakistan-administered Kashmir: A hidden gem Kashmir's charm isn't limited to the Indian side. When Pakistan International Airlines resumed direct flights from the UAE to Skardu in April 2024, a town surrounded by the towering Karakoram mountains, it opened up a new travel destination for travellers based in the Gulf. Usman Abbas, a 45-year-old Pakistani expat living in Sharjah, jumped at the opportunity. 'I have travelled across Europe, the Swiss Alps, Austria, and even Norway, but nothing compares to Kashmir,' he said. 'Flying into Skardu felt like entering another world. I visited Shigar Valley and Satpara Lake, both absolutely stunning. The hospitality, the landscapes, the silence of the mountains, it all stays with you.' Landscapes waiting to be explored According to travel experts, many families originally from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, especially those settled in the UK, often fly via Dubai to visit their hometowns. With flight connectivity and growing tourism interest, there are talks of building an international airport in Mirpur to further boost access and development. 'Due to better connectivity and awareness, interest in visiting the Pakistan side of Kashmir is rising,' said Dr Zafar Tahir, a Dubai-based travel expert. 'The region remains largely undiscovered, but once people visit, they will understand why Kashmir is truly unlike any other place. I have seen Europe and many other places on Earth but nothing compares to this.' Switzerland of the subcontinent It is the natural beauty, the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, alpine forests, and crystal-clear lakes. But beyond that, it's the feeling Kashmir instills in its travellers. Whether on the Indian side or the Pakistani side, the region captures hearts with its purity, peace, and the warmth of its people. For UAE residents, it's no longer just a distant dream. 'It's a destination that's easier to reach, yet impossible to forget,' said Meeran.
